Top 10 Fun, Adventurous and Interesting Things to Do in Taipei (2024)
Taipei, you can also easily gain a deeper understanding of the unique local traditions and interesting festivals. By night, the city buzzes alive and famous night markets or after-dark clubs and bars light up the streets, ready to welcome partygoers and foodies.
Taipei is a treasure trove of experiences. But with an abundance of activities for travellers to try, it can be challenging to sieve through and narrow down your options. To ensure you enjoy all the best this vibrant city offers, we have curated a list of the top things to do in Taipei in the morning and at night.
From activities to try after arriving at Taoyuan International Airport to your tour around Jiufen and Beitou, this guide provides you with all you need to make the most of your time in this exciting city. Besides planning your travel schedule, figuring out the logistics and administrative work is also essential to minimise any unpleasant surprises and make your trip as perfect as possible. To help you out, we’ve also included our best travel tips to cover all grounds so you can focus on creating memorable memories in Taipei.
Purchasing Travel Insurance Before Your Trip
While COVID-19 regulations have eased, the possibility of contracting COVID-19 while travelling cannot be ignored. By purchasing value-friendly travel insurance, you will be empowered to explore Taipei’s hidden gems with confidence. Even if your trip is cancelled or postponed because of COVID-19 or unforeseen factors like bad weather conditions, Income’s Travel Insurance adequately prepares you for changes in travel plans1 and medical expenses related to COVID-19 through one convenient package.
Tip: Look out for exclusions regarding pre-existing conditions before signing an insurance plan. With plans like Income Insurance’s Enhanced PreX Travel Insurance, you can travel confidently knowing that you are covered on your travels even if you have pre-existing illnesses2.
Top 10 Things to do in Taipei
1. Soak up in Cafes and Art Spaces at Huashan 1914 Creative Park
If you are into the arts and indie culture, Huashan 1914 Creative Park is certainly not to be missed. Located at the site of a former wine factory, the park is now one of the hottest venues for art and cultural exhibitions.
With an abundance of inspiring exhibits and quirky stores selling cute stationery and whimsical things, the park is a hipster’s dream come true. When tired of touring the shops, you can also take a break in one of the cosy cafes or enjoy a mini-concert by local musicians in the park, and it will do the trick to power you through the rest of the day.
Cost: Free admission.
Address: No. 1, Section 1, Bade Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City.
Opening hours: Public areas are open 24/7, and most shops are open from 11:00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Guided tours on weekends: 10:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
How to get there:
- Travel to Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station by MRT (blue/orange line). Come out from Exit 1 and walk for about three minutes.
- Travel to Shandaoshi Station by MRT (blue line). Come out from Exit 6m and walk for around five minutes.
2. Take a Walk Down Memory Lane in Sisi Nan Village
Tucked away in the lively urban area of Taipei, Sisi Nan Village can be easy to miss. This quaint little village is a former dwelling of military dependents and retains several nostalgic old townhouses that contrast sharply with the modern, sleek architecture of the Taipei 101 building nearby.
For those who love retro and cultural things, do remember to stop by the Military Heritage Museum, where a collection of relics from the village’s former residents are displayed. After a quick museum tour, you can head to the farmers' market or the market for thrift items and creative handicrafts to find the perfect, unique souvenir to bring home.
Cost: Free admission.
Address: No. 50, Songqin Street, Xinyi District, Taipei City
Opening hours: The weekend market is open from 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
How to get there:
- Travel to Taipei 101/World Trade Centre Station by MRT (red line) and come out from Exit 2. Walk straight and then turn left onto Zhuangjing Road. The complex lies ahead on the left.
3. Sip on the Best Teas in Town at Maokong
Formerly one of Taipei’s largest tea cultivation areas, a trip to Maokong offers one of the most immersive ways to experience Taiwanese tea culture.
Nestled among the terraced tea plantations and rich forest canopy high in the mountains, visitors can take a gondola up or enjoy hiking up the trails and admiring the beautiful spring blooms along the way. Among the things you can do at Maokong, sampling some quality brew in a zen tea house and enjoying a moment of tranquillity certainly tops the chart.
If you have worked up an appetite after your hike, there are also restaurants featuring delectable local tea-based cuisine.
Cost:
- Adult one-way gondola ticket: NT$120.
- Gondola one-day pass with unlimited rides: NT$260
Address: Section 2, Xinguang Road, Wenshan District, Taipei City
Opening hours:
- Weekdays: 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Holidays: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- The gondola is closed for maintenance on Lunar New Year’s Eve and Monday, except for national holidays.
How to get there:
- Travel to Taipei Zoo Station by MRT (brown line) and walk along Xinguang Road Section 2 for about 350m to reach the gondola that takes you up to Maokong.
4. Be Spirited Away from Taipei to Jiufen
If you have ever been mesmerised by Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away, you will be thrilled with a visit to Jiufen, which looks just like the fantasy realm of this animated film. With charming lantern-lit lanes and traditional architecture, Jiufen brings you back in time, and you will be enchanted by the romantic atmosphere as you meander along its narrow alleys.
Do also stop by Amei Tea House, one of the most iconic buildings in Jiufen that closely resembles the set in Spirited Away.
Cost: Free admission.
Address: No. 89, Qiche Road, Ruifang District, New Taipei City
Opening hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Friday to Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
How to get there:
- Travel to Zhongxiao Fuxing Station by MRT (brown/blue line). Take Keelung Bus 1062 at the bus stop outside Exit 2 and alight at Jiufen.
- Travel to Taipei Main Station by MRT (blue line) and transfer to Ruifang Station (Pingxi line). Take Keelung Bus 1062 from Ruifang Station and alight at Jiufen.
5. Soak in the Relaxing Thermal Springs at Beitou
On some days, you may want to relax and take things slow. In this case, it is a must for you to do a day trip to Beitou's hot springs.
Set amongst the lush greenery of Taipei, visitors can unwind in one of the many hot spring facilities in Beitou, each offering a range of hot and cold pools and spa services. If you’re looking to relax and rejuvenate, a trip to Beitou's hot springs will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world.
Cost: Free admission, but the cost of hot spring services varies.
Address: Zhongshan Road, Guangming Road, Beitou District, Taipei City
Opening hours: Most attractions are closed on Mondays.
How to get there:
- Travel to Beitou Station by MRT (red line). Transfer to Xinbeitou Station (pink line) and take a five-minute walk to the destination.
6. Uncover Taiwan’s Natural Beauty at Yangmingshan National Park
One of the most magnificent natural reserves in Taiwan, the unique sights and scents of Yangmingshan National Park are sure to win you over even if you are not a nature lover.
Here, visitors can hike along scenic trails, admire the seasonal blooms all year long, and snap gorgeous photos to freeze the magical moments in time. Like Beitou, the park is home to various hot springs, enabling you to enjoy activities aside from hiking and exploring nature.
By offering numerous things for visitors to do, Yangmingshan National Park ensures an enjoyable experience for all.
Cost: Free admission.
Address: No. 1-20, Zhuzihu Road, Beitou District, Yangmingshan, Taipei City
Opening Hours:
- 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- All visitor centres are closed on Lunar New Year's Eve and the last Monday of each month (will be postponed by a day if the Monday coincides with a national holiday).
How to get there:
- Travel to Taipei Main Station (blue line) and transfer to Jiantan Station (red line). Come out from Exit 1 and take Bus R5, S15 or S17 to Yangmingshan Station.
7. Catch the Sunset at Taipei 101
As an iconic landmark in Taiwan, Taipei 101 should also be among the top places on your bucket list!
Up at the observatory on the 89th floor of the skyscraper, you will be treated to a stunning 360-degree panorama of the city. The building itself is a work of art, with its unique architecture and design incorporating elements of Chinese culture. If you are not a fan of heights and architecture, you can also explore the Taipei 101 Mall, which joins the ranks of renowned shopping districts such as Paris' Champs-Elysees.
Housing an extensive range of boutiques and dining options, you will never run out of things to do.
Cost: Tickets purchased on platforms like Klook cost S$26.25.
Address: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City
Opening Hours:
- 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Last ticket sales for Taipei 101: 8:15 p.m.
How to get there:
- Travel to Taipei 101/World Trade Centre Station by MRT (red line).
8. Light up the Sky with Lanterns at Pingxi Old Street
If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in Taipei, why not travel down to Pingxi Old Street?
This charming and historic area is where the Taiwanese blockbuster movie You Are the Apple of My Eye was shot and is also famous for its Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival. The event sees hundreds of sky lanterns released into the night sky, creating a magical display of colours and light that will leave you feeling truly enchanted.
Cost: Free admission, but sky lanterns can cost between NT$150 to NT$400, depending on the number of colours the lantern has.
Address: No. 45, Pingxi Street, Pingxi District, New Taipei City
Opening Hours: All day.
How to get there:
Travel to Taipei Main Station by MRT (blue line) and transfer to Ruifang Station (Pingxi line).
9. Explore the Shinjuku of Taipei
As one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Taipei, the Ximending shopping district boasts a line-up of trendy boutiques, eateries, impressive graffiti art and hip things to do.
The area is especially popular among younger crowds, who enjoy the lively atmosphere and how the neighbourhood comes to life with street performances. For party animals, you will be satisfied with the nightlife entertainment options in Ximending.
Home to some of the wildest clubs in Taiwan, you will relish the opportunity to let your hair down and have fun twirling to electrifying beats on the dance floor.
Cost: Free admission.
Address: Wanhua District, Taipei City.
Opening Hours: All day.
How to get there:
- Travel to Ximen Station by MRT (blue/green line).
10. Eat All You Can at Night Markets
The first thing that comes to mind when we think of Taipei is the delectable local street food found in its famous night markets, which promises to surprise even the most seasoned foodies.
From the all-time favourite bubble tea to exotic peanut ice cream rolls and everything in between, night markets promise a delightful gastronomic experience like no other. As such, no visit to Taipei will be complete without strolling through one of these marketplaces. If you are short of time, do visit at least one of the top 10 night markets, such as Shilin Night Market.
Cost: Free admission.
Address: Neighbourhood of Dadong Road, Danan Road, Wenlin Road and Jihe Road, Shilin District, Taipei City
Opening Hours: 4:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m., but the best time to visit is from 7:00 p.m. onwards.
How to get there:
- Travel to Jiantan Station by MRT (red line). Come out from Exit 1 and cross the street diagonally to the left to enter the night market.
Explore Taipei’s Hidden Gems with Confidence with Income’s Travel Insurance
Now that you have a clearer idea of your itinerary for Taipei, why not sort out everything in one go and prepare for the unknown by getting the coverage you need for your trip?
With Income Insurance’s Travel Insurance, you can rest easy knowing that a safety net is available for reach in time of need should any unforeseen circumstances occur while you travel. Whether it’s travel inconveniences like damage to personal belongings, travel delays3, personal accidents or medical expenses incurred abroad, Income Insurance’s travel insurance ensures you and your travel companions are covered4 by a robust plan that truly protects you.
Don't let anything prevent you from having the time of your life - get the coverage you need today to explore Taipei without worrying about the unexpected!
1 For Cancellation or Postponement of your trip, you must have bought your policy three days (or earlier) from the day you leave Singapore unless the event is only accidental in nature.
You and your travelling companion(s) have to be insured under the Enhanced PreX Superior or Enhanced PreX Prestige plans to be covered for your or your travelling companion’s pre-existing medical conditions. Please refer to the policy conditions under Section 1 – Cancelling your trip, Section 2 – Postponing your trip, Section 3 – Shortening your trip and Section 4 – Trip disruption.
2 We do not cover claims arising from a pre-existing medical condition where you have been given a terminal prognosis with a life expectancy of under 12 months. Please refer to policy conditions for the precise definition of pre-existing medical conditions.
3 We will pay you for travel delay if the public transport you are scheduled to travel in during your trip is delayed for more than six hours in a row and is not caused by you.
4 Family cover provides coverage for 1 or 2 adults who are spouses or partners at the time of purchase and any number of their children as long as:
- Adult(s) is 16 years and above and is the parent or legal guardian of the children.
- Child(ren) is below 21 years old and is the biological or legally adopted child(ren) or ward of the adult named under the policy.
- Adult(s) and child(ren) must be insured under the same policy.
- Adult(s) and child(ren) must travel together if they are insured under single trip plans (not applicable for yearly plans).
5 If you did not receive medical treatment overseas, you must do so within three days of your return to Singapore. If you have received medical treatment overseas, you must continue your medical treatment in Singapore within 30 days after your return to Singapore.
6 You must be insured under your existing yearly plan policy for at least 12 months and successfully renew your policy to be continuously insured for another 12 months. You will be notified in your policy document of your entitlement to the Travel Renewal Bonus upon successful renewal of your policy.
7 For Enhanced PreX Basic, Superior and Prestige plans, we will not pay the first $100 for each visit of your outpatient medical treatment received overseas as well as overseas outpatient medical treatment by a Chinese medicine practitioner or a chiropractor arising from your pre-existing medical condition or any sickness you knew about. Please refer to the policy conditions for the sub-limit per visit to a Chinese medicine practitioner or a chiropractor.
Exclusions
There are certain conditions whereby the benefits under this plan will not be payable. You can refer to your policy contract for the precise terms, conditions and exclusions of the plan. The policy contract will be issued when your application is accepted.
This article is meant purely for informational purposes and should not be relied upon as financial advice. The precise terms, conditions and exclusions of any Income Insurance products mentioned are specified in their respective policy contracts. For customised advice to suit your specific needs, consult an Income Insurance advisor. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
These policies are protected under the Policy Owners’ Protection Scheme which is administered by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC). Coverage for your policy is automatic and no further action is required from you. For more information on the types of benefits that are covered under the scheme as well as the limits of coverage, where applicable, please contact Income Insurance or visit the GIA/LIA or SDIC websites (www.gia.org.sg or www.lia.org.sg or www.sdic.org. sg).
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